Preview

Portobello

Social/community connections: the Scotmid Co-op chain of local stores takes community support seriously, and every store has its display board of local initiatives that are supported - often with small grants - it's well worth applying (more details at http://www.scotmid.coop/community-and-charity/supporting-local-communities/ ) - aprt from anything else, this is a good way to develop connections across the community.

"This unpretentious little park has been one of Portobello's pleasures for many years. Lined by elm, whitebeam, holly and hawthorn, it is a quiet place for a stroll, or a chat."
Friendly dog walkers; people sitting on blankets in the sun; toddlers having a picnic. All amidst nice herbaceous border flower beds. And only a hundred yards from the beach, if the breeze there turns a bit chilly.

This local library is good at 'outreach' - it runs sessions for young children and mums for example. It is also the major venue for the annual Portobello Book Festival - a long weekend full of interesting talks and sessions by local authors.

Can you beat Netmums' description?!
"For a variety of indoor and outdoor fun, most of which is free, you can't beat Portobello Promenade. On sunny days the kids can play on the beach, the toddlers park or the swing park, all within a few minutes walk of each other along the prom. For eats and treats the traditional fish-and-chips or ice-cream are available, or there are a number of child-friendly cafes, pubs and hotels along the prom - including the 'Espy' with its gigantic portions of fresh tasty fare.
There's a host of sporting fun along the Prom too including the new sailing school. And if the weather's not so good you can take your swimming indoors at the Swim Centre, bowl at the bowling centre or simply spend some loose change having fun in the seaside arcades."
Well it doesn't mention the volleyball (it's always pleasant to watch other people taking exercise!), right next to the excellent Little Green Van coffee stall.
Almost any day of the year, you can meet people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds enjoying the fresh air and sea breezes.

New arrivals are just as likely to be entrepreneurial as established natives, and once the proverbial kitchen table is no longer the best place from which to run your new business, then TribePorty is one of a number of shared workspaces across the city that offer various and flexible opportunities for rental - see http://tribeporty.org/coworking/ for details.
When setting out on this sort of thing, a supportive community is a great help, and TribePorty offers a great 'ecosystem' - people who are facing the same sort of issues and challenges, and finding imaginative solutions for them, as you are - it's very helpful to be able to compare notes

"This unpretentious little park has been one of Portobello's pleasures for many years. Lined by elm, whitebeam, holly and hawthorn, it is a quiet place for a stroll, or a chat."
Friendly dog walkers; people sitting on blankets in the sun; toddlers having a picnic. All amidst nice herbaceous border flower beds. And only a hundred yards from the beach, if the breeze there turns a bit chilly.

"With its distinctive burn running through the park, pond and animated wildlife, the Figgate Park provides an attractive green space in the heart of Edinburgh's East Neighbourhood. Its many entrances are commonly used by local walkers, joggers and cyclists as a convenient access to areas between Duddingston and Portobello. The pond, with a boardwalk and wide variety of waterfowl is the main attraction, but a children's play area, teen area and even a pictorial wildflower meadow, ensure there is lots to see and do in the park. The park has been awarded a Green Flag since 2010, in recognition of it being a quality greenspace.""
Facilities: Play area; Teenage area; Board walk; Picnic tables ; Seating.

Portobello Pakistani Educational & Cultural Centre (the Madrasah)'s charitable objectives:
"To promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of Pakistanis resident in Portobello and surrounding areas, including the advancement of education, the relief of poverty, the furtherance of health and the provision of facilities, in the interest of social welfare, for recreation and other leisure time occupation with the object of promoting racial harmony, alleviating isolation and improving the conditions of the life of the aforementioned community."